Friday, June 1, 2012

Post 28

Connecting Passion and Pain: where is the Church?

During February, I attended a convocation for our United Methodist Indiana clergy.  One evening during a special worship service, we were challenged by stirring words from the guest preacher.  This afternoon, I reviewed my notes on the message given; and, once again, my heart, soul, and mind were stirred

For this GRM Blog entry, I would like to re-present some of those thoughts in the hopes of challenging all readers to look beyond …
beyond what they are doing in the name of - and for the sake of - their own individual faith-beliefs and convictions.

First, allow me to pose a few questions.

·        What stirs you about your faith?
·        Are you involved in a ministry about which you feel passionate?
·        Do you yearn – or sense a calling – for making a difference in your community or the world?
·        Are you involved in a community that regularly practices “holy habits” (i.e., certain spiritual disciplines) together?

Second, how do you see the following notes as they may connect with the above questions?

·        Mother Teresa observed that in America, she had never seen such suffering … many walls and no caring.

·        We need to get out of our [church] buildings – out of our bubbles.

·        We need to err on the side of grace: love people well;  listen;  straight talk;  confess to each other.

·        Some of us need to be taken advantage of ... a little bit more.

·        Holy troublemakers insist on the world being what God dreams it to be.

·        If you try to shut down Revival, then you’re [messing] with God

·        We need to connect our deepest passions with the world’s 
    deepest pains.

·        One of the most radical views of Christianity is to move 
    closer to pain.

So many times, I say to folks who inquire about Gambling Recovery Ministries, “We are always doing a new thing.”  For eleven years, now, we have continued to break parish boundaries and bring the good news of recovery from problem gambling - via this faith-based outreach – to many corners of America:  to persons in addiction (and their loved ones) who have given up hope; to professionals who want to learn how to include spirituality within their work with gamblers; and to clergy who need information and assistance in helping parishioners lost in addiction.

Yes, to truly bring hope and help to those suffering from gambling problems – and do not know where to turn for help – 

we need to ... 
·        raise the questions about pain and suffering;
·        tear down the walls of isolated comfort;
·        truly see the marginalized…
    AND THEN -
·        we will be in position to meet many more starting points of God’s continuing dreams!       

For more information on hope and help for recovery from gambling addiction, go to www.grmumc.org

Rev. Janet Jacobs
Director, Gambling Recovery Ministries